MANSLAUGHTER CASE LATEST: Piece of wood in bedroom could have been used to inflict injuries, jury told

Harry Scott

Published:09:28Tuesday 20 January 2015

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A forensic scientist yesterday (Monday) told the Louth manslaughter trial that a piece of wood found in the bedroom of the dead man could have been used to inflict injuries to his leg.

The jury has previously found that injuries to the right thigh and hip area of Richard Woods were found when his body was examined by a pathologist.

The prosecution say that Richard was struck a number of blows with a length of wood after becoming trapped between two steps of a ladder as he tried to escape from his loft. It is alleged that Harry Scott, instead of helping Richard, assaulted him as he was being asphyxiated.

Martin Crooks, a forensic pathologist, told the jury at Lincoln Crown Court that the injuries were caused by more than one blow.

He said that he considered a length of wood found on Richard’s bed was more likely ton have caused the injuries than any other.

But under cross-examination he agreed that the arm from a broken chair which was in the loft could also have been used to cause the injuries.

Harry Scott, 23, of Ramsgate, Louth, denies a charge of manslaughter as a result of an incident on 12 January last year.

Scott is alleged to have trapped Richard Woods in the loft of his home in Spring Terrace, Louth. Richard tried to climb out but became wedged between two steps of the loft ladder and was asphyxiated. Scott is alleged to have repeatedly struck him with a length of wood while he was trapped rather than making any effort to help him.

The prosecution say that Scott bullied Richard Woods who has been described as a shy and vulnerable man.